What if the supplement sitting in your medicine cabinet, the one you've been faithfully taking to protect your eyesight, might also be helping your body fight cancer? That's exactly what researchers have discovered about zeaxanthin, a nutrient already familiar to many Australian seniors managing macular degeneration.
In a remarkable study published this September in the prestigious journal Cell Reports Medicine, scientists from the University of Chicago found that zeaxanthin directly enhances the activity of CD8+ T cells, a crucial type of immune cell that kills tumor cells.
The discovery has opened an entirely new field of research into how common dietary supplements might boost our body's natural cancer-fighting abilities.
More than just an eye supplement
Zeaxanthin is sold as an over-the-counter supplement for eye health, and is naturally found in vegetables like orange peppers, spinach, and kale.
For Susan Rau, who has been taking the supplement daily for a decade to slow her macular disease progression, this news represents an unexpected bonus from her routine eye care regimen.
The University of Chicago team made their breakthrough by screening a large blood nutrient library to identify zeaxanthin as a compound that directly enhances the activity of CD8+ T cells.
But here's what makes the discovery particularly exciting: zeaxanthin stabilises and strengthens the formation of the TCR complex on CD8+ T cells upon interacting with cancer cells, which triggers more robust intracellular signalling that boosts T-cell activation, cytokine production, and tumour-killing capacity.
'We were surprised to find that zeaxanthin, already known for its role in eye health, has a completely new function in boosting anti-tumour immunity'
Promising results across multiple cancer types
The research didn't stop at understanding the mechanism. In mouse studies, dietary supplementation with zeaxanthin slowed tumour growth. Even more promising, when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors—a type of immunotherapy that has transformed cancer treatment in recent years—zeaxanthin significantly enhanced anti-tumour effects compared to immunotherapy alone.
The team also tested human T cells in laboratory conditions, engineering them to recognise specific tumour markers. Zeaxanthin treatment improved these cells' ability to kill melanoma, multiple myeloma, and glioblastoma cells in laboratory experiments.
Australia's macular degeneration connection
This discovery has particular relevance for Australian seniors, given that macular degeneration impacts up to two million Australians. Many, like Susan Rau, are already taking zeaxanthin-containing supplements as part of their eye care routine, often following the AREDS2 formula recommended by eye specialists.
If you have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, you may benefit from either an AREDS2 supplement or general dietary supplements. It's important to speak to your eye health professional about the most appropriate supplement for you.
Australian eye health statistics
Age-related macular degeneration affects up to 2 million Australians, making it one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over 50. The condition is particularly common in our ageing population, with risk increasing significantly after age 65.
Getting zeaxanthin naturally
Before rushing to the supplement aisle, it's worth knowing that zeaxanthin is found in dark leafy greens like kale, as well as orange peppers, mango and corn. The nutrient is also present in egg yolks and citrus fruits.
Several studies suggest that eating at least 10mg of lutein a day has the most beneficial effect on macular pigment levels. The average western diet is thought to contain no more than 3mg of lutein and zeaxanthin a day, suggesting many Australians could benefit from increasing their intake of these eye-healthy foods.
A history of cancer-fighting properties
While the University of Chicago study represents the first research into zeaxanthin's effect on immune system function, it's not the first time scientists have investigated the nutrient's anti-cancer potential. Zeaxanthin, a carotenoid commonly found in plants, has a variety of biological functions including anti-cancer activity.
Previous laboratory studies have shown zeaxanthin can induce cancer cell death in gastric cancer and uveal melanoma cell lines. Epidemiological studies have shown that higher intake and higher blood levels of zeaxanthin appear to be associated with a lower risk of occurrence of various cancers.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Interestingly, earlier research from the same University of Chicago lab discovered that trans-vaccenic acid, a fatty acid found in dairy and meat, also boosts T-cell activity—but through a completely different mechanism than zeaxanthin.
Important caveats and expert perspective
Before anyone starts dramatically increasing their zeaxanthin intake, experts urge caution. Although the results are promising, the researchers emphasise that the work is still at an early stage.
Most of the findings come from laboratory experiments and animal studies. Thus, clinical trials will be needed to determine whether zeaxanthin supplements can improve outcomes for cancer patients.
Associate Professor Kate Mahon from Sydney's Lifehouse Cancer Centre echoes this sentiment, noting that while the results are 'really interesting,' we need to see the research tested in human clinical trials before drawing conclusions about benefits for people.
The safety advantage zeaxanthin has over experimental cancer treatments is significant. It's inexpensive, widely available, well-tolerated and, most importantly, its safety profile is known—which means it can be safely tested as an adjunct to cancer therapies.
What this research means for you
- If you're already taking zeaxanthin for eye health, you may be getting an unexpected immune boost
- The supplement has a well-established safety profile
- More research is needed before we can recommend it specifically for cancer prevention
- Continue taking eye supplements as prescribed by your healthcare professional
- Human clinical trials are the next crucial step
The bigger picture
The research has opened 'a new field of nutritional immunology that looks at how specific dietary components interact with the immune system at the molecular level,' with the potential to discover natural compounds that make today's cancer therapies more effective and accessible.
For Australian seniors who have been diligently taking their eye supplements, this research offers an encouraging glimpse into the potential bonus benefits of their health routine.
While we await human clinical trials, the message remains clear: a diet rich in colourful vegetables and appropriate supplementation under professional guidance continues to be one of the best investments in long-term health.
Health disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine or cancer treatment plan.
Have you been taking zeaxanthin supplements for your eye health? We'd love to hear about your experience and whether this research has changed how you think about your daily supplements.
Original Article
https://www.9news.com.au/national/o...operties/0236cc04-5966-4bf7-abbb-767b68ed013b
Plant-based nutrient improves immune cells’ ability to fight cancer | Biological Sciences Division | The University of Chicago
Cited text: By screening a large blood nutrient library, the team identified zeaxanthin as a compound that directly enhances the activity of CD8+ T cells, a cruci...
Excerpt: zeaxanthin directly enhances the activity of CD8+ T cells, a crucial type of immune cell that kills tumor cells
https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/plant-based-nutrient-fights-cancer
Zeaxanthin boosts immune cells in cancer treatment
Cited text: Following years of work investigating natural compounds to enhance cancer therapies, researchers from the University of Chicago have discovered that z...
Excerpt: zeaxanthin directly enhances the activity of CD8+ T cells, a crucial type of immune cell that kills tumor cells
https://newatlas.com/cancer/plant-compound-cancer
Plant-based nutrient improves immune cells’ ability to fight cancer | Biological Sciences Division | The University of Chicago
Cited text: Zeaxanthin is sold as an over-the-counter supplement for eye health, and is naturally found in vegetables like orange peppers, spinach, and kale.
Excerpt: Zeaxanthin is sold as an over-the-counter supplement for eye health, and is naturally found in vegetables like orange peppers, spinach, and kale
https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/plant-based-nutrient-fights-cancer
Zeaxanthin boosts immune cells in cancer treatment
Cited text: Zeaxanthin is a type of xanthophyll—a yellow carotenoid pigment found broadly in nature—already available as a supplement for eye health, and foun...
Excerpt: Zeaxanthin is sold as an over-the-counter supplement for eye health, and is naturally found in vegetables like orange peppers, spinach, and kale
https://newatlas.com/cancer/plant-compound-cancer
Plant-based nutrient improves immune cells’ ability to fight cancer | Biological Sciences Division | The University of Chicago
Cited text: The researchers found that zeaxanthin stabilizes and strengthens the formation of TCR complex on CD8+ T cells upon interacting with the cancer cells. ...
Excerpt: zeaxanthin stabilizes and strengthens the formation of TCR complex on CD8+ T cells upon interacting with cancer cells, which triggers more robust intracellular signaling that boosts T-cell activation, cytokine production, and tumor-killing…
https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/plant-based-nutrient-fights-cancer
Plant-based nutrient improves immune cells’ ability to fight cancer | Biological Sciences Division | The University of Chicago
Cited text: In mouse models, dietary supplementation with zeaxanthin slowed tumor growth.
Excerpt: dietary supplementation with zeaxanthin slowed tumor growth
https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/plant-based-nutrient-fights-cancer
Plant-based nutrient improves immune cells’ ability to fight cancer | Biological Sciences Division | The University of Chicago
Cited text: Importantly, when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors—a type of immunotherapy that has transformed cancer treatment in recent years—zeaxant...
Excerpt: when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors—a type of immunotherapy that has transformed cancer treatment in recent years—zeaxanthin significantly enhanced anti-tumor effects
https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/plant-based-nutrient-fights-cancer
Plant-based nutrient can boost immune cells' ability to fight cancer
Cited text: Importantly, when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors—a type of immunotherapy that has transformed cancer treatment in recent years—zeaxanthin ...
Excerpt: when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors—a type of immunotherapy that has transformed cancer treatment in recent years—zeaxanthin significantly enhanced anti-tumor effects
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-based-nutrient-boost-immune-cells.html
Plant-based nutrient improves immune cells’ ability to fight cancer | Biological Sciences Division | The University of Chicago
Cited text: To extend the findings, the researchers tested human T cells engineered to recognize specific tumor antigens and found that zeaxanthin treatment impro...
Excerpt: Zeaxanthin treatment improved these cells' ability to kill melanoma, multiple myeloma, and glioblastoma cells in laboratory experiments
https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/plant-based-nutrient-fights-cancer
Plant-based nutrient can boost immune cells' ability to fight cancer
Cited text: To extend the findings, the researchers tested human T cells engineered to recognize specific tumor antigens and found that zeaxanthin treatment impro...
Excerpt: Zeaxanthin treatment improved these cells' ability to kill melanoma, multiple myeloma, and glioblastoma cells in laboratory experiments
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-based-nutrient-boost-immune-cells.html
Supplements for Age-Related Macular Degeneration | Macular Disease Foundation Australia
Cited text: If you have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, you may benefit from either an AREDS2 supplement or general dietary supplements. It&...
Excerpt: If you have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, you may benefit from either an AREDS2 supplement or general dietary supplements.
https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/abo...ted-macular-degeneration/supplements-for-amd/
Nutrition—Macular Society
Cited text: Several studies suggest that eating at least 10mg of lutein a day has the most beneficial effect on macular pigment levels. The average western diet i...
Excerpt: Several studies suggest that eating at least 10mg of lutein a day has the most beneficial effect on macular pigment levels.
https://www.macularsociety.org/support/daily-life/practical-guides/healthy-living/nutrition/
Zeaxanthin Induces Apoptosis via ROS-Regulated MAPK and AKT Signaling Pathway in Human Gastric Cancer Cells—PMC
Cited text: Zeaxanthin, a carotenoid commonly found in plants, has a variety of biological functions including anti-cancer activity.
Excerpt: Zeaxanthin, a carotenoid commonly found in plants, has a variety of biological functions including anti-cancer activity
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7605660/
Zeaxanthin Induces Apoptosis in Human Uveal Melanoma Cells through Bcl-2 Family Proteins and Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway—PMC
Cited text: Epidemiological studies have shown that higher intake and higher blood levels of zeaxanthin appear to be associated with a lower risk of occurrence of...
Excerpt: Epidemiological studies have shown that higher intake and higher blood levels of zeaxanthin appear to be associated with a lower risk of occurrence of various cancers
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3810440/
Plant-based nutrient improves immune cells’ ability to fight cancer | Biological Sciences Division | The University of Chicago
Cited text: Although the results are promising, the researchers emphasize that the work is still at an early stage. Most of the findings come from laboratory expe...
Excerpt: Although the results are promising, the researchers emphasize that the work is still at an early stage.
https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/plant-based-nutrient-fights-cancer
Plant-based nutrient improves immune cells’ ability to fight cancer | Biological Sciences Division | The University of Chicago
Cited text: It’s inexpensive, widely available, well-tolerated and, most importantly, its safety profile is known—which means it can be safely tested as an adju...
Excerpt: It's inexpensive, widely available, well-tolerated and, most importantly, its safety profile is known—which means it can be safely tested as an adjunct to cancer therapies
https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/plant-based-nutrient-fights-cancer
Plant-based nutrient improves immune cells’ ability to fight cancer | Biological Sciences Division | The University of Chicago
Cited text: “Our findings open a new field of nutritional immunology that looks at how specific dietary components interact with the immune system at the molecula...
Excerpt: The research has opened 'a new field of nutritional immunology that looks at how specific dietary components interact with the immune system at the molecular level,' with the potential to discover natural compounds that make today's cancer…
https://biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/plant-based-nutrient-fights-cancer
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